Jeanne Finkbeiner

Jeanne Finkbeiner VIRGINIA BEACH - Jeanne Rita Marie Juliette Martinelli Finkbeiner, 75, died peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, of natural causes. Born March 4, 1935 in Cannes, France, to Anna and Jean Martinelli, Jeanne will be remembered for her cheerful optimism, impeccable penmanship, extravagant compliments, steely Gallic resolve and a charming, bell-like French accent that few who met her would ever forget. Her life was mostly devoted to raising her two children and celebrating her five grandchildren. She was deeply devoted to the Catholic Church. After completing her studies in France, she enjoyed a period of personal adventure working as an au pair in London with brief travels in Europe. A striking, petite brunette, her future husband, Robert Finkbeiner, a Navy photographer, discovered her at a USO dance. She was wary, so he won her telephone number after taking pictures of her friends. They courted under the watchful eye of her parents. In a burst of raw faith and courage, she left her family and their picturesque stone apartment near the beaches of the Riviera to embrace her new American life as a wife and mother. Jeanne proudly earned American citizenship in 1965, voting in elections almost to the end. Health challenges marked much of her adult life, especially the last two years. Despite many ailments, Jeanne remained hopeful that good health was just around the corner. When it was obvious this was not to be, with inspiring courage, she announced she was giving her problems to God. She is survived by her loving brother, Vincent Martinelli of Cannes; sister-in- law, Jacqueline; ex-husband, Robert Finkbeiner of Virginia Beach; a son, Robert Vincent Finkbeiner and his wife Kim; grandchildren, Colin and Kayla Finkbeiner, all of Pittsburgh; a devoted daughter, Denise Holden and her husband Tom; and grandchildren Camille, Ellis and John-Henry of Virginia Beach; and her dear friend Micheline Hiltibran, who she regarded as a sister. The family is grateful to the compassionate staff at Virginia Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia Beach for caring for her and watching over her last moments with us all. A Mass of the Resurrection with ashes will be celebrated in the chapel of Church of the Holy Family, 1279 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. A reception will follow. There will also be a Mass honoring Jeanne in Cannes on the same day for her loved ones far away. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.